Kai sat up slowly, his muscles still aching from the aftermath of the **Zenith Reflex**. His mind, however, was sharp and focused. The conversation with Kaito, Reina, and Yuta had stirred something deep within him—a realization that he needed to understand the power he had unlocked. The journey ahead would be long and dangerous, and he couldn't afford to be a liability.
Reina was still beside him, concern evident in her eyes, while Yuta leaned against the wall, his gaze steady on Kai. Kaito stood a few steps away, watching with a mixture of curiosity and something akin to respect.
Kai took a deep breath, his decision already made in his heart. "I… I need to go," he said quietly, looking up at them.
Reina blinked, a frown forming on her lips. "What do you mean, go?"
Kai turned his gaze to Yuta and Kaito. "I need to learn to control this power, to understand it completely. I can't do that if I stay here… not with the constant battles, the distractions. I need to find a place where I can truly focus, where I can train without endangering anyone else."
Yuta's eyes softened with understanding. "You're serious about this, aren't you?"
Kai nodded. "I have to be. The **Zenith Reflex** is… it's like trying to hold a lightning bolt in your hand. If I don't learn to master it, it could destroy me. And worse, it could hurt all of you."
Reina shook her head, her voice strained with emotion. "But… Kai, you can't just leave. We need you here. We've always faced everything together. You can't just…"
Kai took her hand, his grip firm yet gentle. "I know, Reina, I know. But this is different. I can't be effective if I don't have control. I don't want to be a danger to any of you, and right now… that's exactly what I am."
Kaito, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "There are places… far from here, where you can train without interruption. Places that will push you to your limits and force you to confront the depths of your power. But they are not easy paths, Kai. They will challenge every fiber of your being."
Kai nodded, determination settling in his eyes. "I'm ready for that. I need that challenge if I'm going to become what I need to be."
Reina's grip tightened on his hand, her voice barely above a whisper. "Kai, what if you don't come back? What if… what if something happens to you out there?"
Kai's expression softened, and he placed his other hand over hers. "Reina, I promise… I will come back. I have to. For all of you… for Yuta. But I need to do this. I can't stay and pretend that everything's fine when I know I'm not at my best."
Yuta stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Kai's shoulder. "We'll be here, Kai. We'll keep things in check while you're gone. But you'd better come back stronger than ever."
Kai chuckled softly. "You know I will, Yuta. And when I do, we'll finish this together."
Kaito interjected, his tone surprisingly warm. "You're making the right choice, Kai. But don't underestimate what lies ahead. This isn't just about getting stronger; it's about understanding yourself, your limits, and your purpose."
Kai nodded in agreement. "I get that. And I'm ready."
Reina, still holding his hand, finally let out a sigh. "I don't like it… but I understand. Just… don't forget about us, okay?"
Kai smiled softly. "I could never forget any of you. You're the reason I'm doing this. To protect what we have, to make sure we all have a future."
Reina looked away, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill. "Just come back. That's all I ask."
Kai pulled her into a brief hug, feeling the weight of her emotions. "I will. I promise."
Yuta and Kaito exchanged glances, sensing the gravity of the moment. "When do you plan to leave?" Yuta asked quietly.
Kai paused for a moment, then answered, "Tonight. I don't want to drag this out any longer than necessary."
Reina's eyes widened. "Tonight?! Kai, that's too soon…!"
"I know," Kai said gently, "but the longer I stay, the harder it will be to leave. And we don't have time to waste. There's too much at stake."
Yuta nodded in agreement. "Then we should prepare. Make sure you have everything you need. It's a long road ahead."
Kaito stepped forward. "There are paths through the mountains to the east. Follow them, and you'll find what you're looking for. But be careful. It won't be an easy journey."
Kai met Kaito's gaze, appreciating the sincerity in his tone. "Thank you, Kaito… for everything."
Kaito nodded. "Just come back alive. We still have a lot to settle."
With that, Kai turned to Reina and Yuta, taking in their faces one last time. "I need to send a message to the academy, letting them know I'll be gone… and that I'll be away for four years."
Reina's breath hitched. "Four years?"
Kai nodded, his expression resolute. "That's how long it will take… to truly master this. I've thought about it, and I need that time. I owe it to all of you… and to myself."
Yuta stepped forward, wrapping Kai in a strong embrace. "We'll be waiting for you, brother. Every day."
Kai hugged him back tightly. "I'll be back, Yuta. I swear it."
Reina joined them, her arms wrapping around both of them. "We believe in you, Kai. Just don't keep us waiting too long."
Kai smiled, his heart swelling with the warmth of their support. "I won't. And when I return… we'll end this, once and for all."
As they broke apart, Kai turned to leave, his steps purposeful. He had a message to send, and then a journey to begin.
The room was silent as they watched him go, a sense of anticipation and hope hanging in the air. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—Kai would return stronger than ever, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
For now, though, he had to take that first step alone.